The UND Alumni Association & Foundation is looking for a dynamic, detail-driven Associate Director of Events to lead the planning and execution of high-profile Athletics and alumni events—from the Athletics Hall of Fame and Champions Club Golf Tour to tailgates, donor gatherings, and marquee campus celebrations. You’ll be at the center of it all—partnering with Athletics, engaging alumni and donors, and delivering exceptional experiences that strengthen UND’s community.
In this role, you’ll manage events from concept to execution, create compelling event communications, and ensure every detail exceeds expectations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and don’t mind evenings or weekends when the action calls—you’ll fit right in.
This role supports the UND Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF) through execution of events listed below.
The Associate Director of Events is responsible for planning and executing a variety of events on behalf of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF), with a focus on Athletics-related events, including signature events such as the Athletics Hall of Fame and Champions Club Golf Tour, as well as private donor gatherings, alumni and friends events. This role requires exceptional client service for alumni, donors, and campus partners and will represent the organization at numerous functions.
The Associate Director will create and manage events using Blackthorn, our event management platform, and will also be responsible for developing related content, including emails, digital materials, and mailed communications. This individual should be highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A flexible work schedule is essential, including availability for evenings and weekends as needed.
-
Plan and coordinate all aspects of assigned events using Wrike, our project management platform.
-
Serve as the primary liaison for Athletics, ensuring alignment with the Athletics Contract and leading the planning and execution of key Athletics-related events, including the Athletics Hall of Fame, Champions Club Golf Tour, tailgating, pregame gatherings, NIL events, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, and UNDAAF Alumni & Friends events.
-
Lead coordination of signature and partnership events, including Holiday Cheers.
-
Create and manage event content in Blackthorn, including registration setup, emails, and digital/printed materials.
-
Prepare and communicate detailed event timelines, agendas, and expectations.
-
Coordinate logistics with vendors and campus partners as needed.
-
Ensure all services and experiences exceed attendee and stakeholder expectations.
-
Maintain and manage registration lists, including attendee communications (e.g., confirmations, tickets).
-
Collaborate with the Director of Events to assess and improve pre- and post-event processes.
-
Respond effectively to last-minute changes and solve problems in real time.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experiences Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Communications, marketing, hospitality degree preferred
Experience: 3 plus years of experience in event management, hospitality, public relations, customer service or marketing experience. Event software experience preferred.
PHYSICAL & COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
Ability to operate computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Ability to focus and complete work in a timely manner. Ability to travel independently via car and air. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, squat, and lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.
COMPETENCIES
Excellent organizational skills and strong sense of attention to detail
Exceptional communication, analytical, planning, and implementation skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills and project management experience
Ability to work in groups and independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines
Energetic, forward-thinking, and creative with high ethical standards
Appropriate professional image
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with appropriate discretion
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated and confident
Ability to work with and motivate others
Resourceful and able to make good judgements especially when troubleshooting
Benefits:
The UND Alumni Association & Foundation supports employees through a highly competitive total compensation package that includes competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, along with career growth opportunities, and supports work-life blend for our employees.
Benefits at UNDAAF includes health insurance with employer contributions towards premium, retirement plan with generous employer contributions, employer paid life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, generous paid time off policy, paid volunteer opportunities, EAP, UND tuition waiver, summer hours. Other elective benefits available: flexible benefits plans, dental, vision, STD, cancer care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, voluntary life insurance for spouse and dependents.
The UND Alumni Association & Foundation recognizes that work-life blend is an important component of a larger picture of life responsibilities, obligations, goals and interests. We will make every effort in creating a work-life blend model that reflects life situations while also ensuring maximum productivity.
Statement:
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support Visa sponsorship for continued employment.
This position will be an in-office position.
